Chapter 6: Preparations for the Martial Ball
The invitations for the martial ball were sent out under my name.
Heinrich von Linden.
From the perspective of the main heroine, Katarina von GrĂźnwald, I am practically a stranger, merely her older sisterâs fiancĂŠ.
If the event were held under the GrĂźnwald name, it might give the impression that the winner would become Katarinaâs new fiancĂŠ.
Thus, I positioned it as nothing more than âthe meddling of a well-meaning third party.â
Well, it truly is meddling from a third party.
Though not entirely well-meaning, as it comes with ulterior motives.
The people who applied after hearing about how she knocked out her indecent former fiancĂŠ are, frankly, quite different from ordinary suitors.
The Southern Marquess, the Eastern Marquess, and the knight commanderâs son all responded positively.
Their inquiries mainly concerned scheduling conflicts, such as returning to their territories or attending military exercises, as well as the rules of the matches.
Why are they so eager and filled with enthusiasm?
None of them withdrew their proposals.
On that point, I felt relieved that Katarinaâs options would not be limited.
However, I had not expected that all dozen or so who had sent their profiles would participate.
Was I too naive to assume only about half would join?
After all that effort, Katarina finally picked up the profiles.
Good, keep that up and go get married.
“Older Sister, who do you think will win?”
Katarina spread the profiles across the table, trying to make predictions.
I would prefer she evaluate their character rather than their raw combat ability, though?
“Kati, you should carefully read through the profiles.
I must go with Heine to find a venue and make preparations.”
My beloved Gertrude called me by my nickname.
And she said exactly what I wanted to hear.
“I was thinking of borrowing a training ground owned by an acquaintance of mine.
But with this many participants, we will likely need to run several matches simultaneously to finish in time.”
I wanted Katarina to understand that this was work, not a date.
I had intended to subtly imply that she should not tag along, but did she get the message?
“Why not have everyone fight at once until eight people remain?
Then those eight can proceed to the semifinals and finals.”
“Kati, are you sure about that?
Wouldnât that mean those who fail to make it into the eight are immediately excluded?”
Gertrude tilted her head.
Adorable.
A beautiful woman who is usually sharp and composed looks especially charming when she lets her guard down.
“Older Sister, itâs fine. People with good movement naturally catch the eye.
This isnât an interview for our household retainers, so itâs fine if we overlook a few.
Itâs also acceptable to fall in love at first sight and show favoritism, isnât it?”
Gertrude and I exchanged glances.
Sheâs right.
This is not about a fair competition, but about finding someone Katarina likes.
We both chuckled and relaxed.
In the end, this is just a game.
“Kati, who do you thinkâ”
Just as Gertrude began to speak, there was a knock on the salon door.
“Milady, there is a letter from someone wishing to participate in the tournament, and from the territoryâ”
A voice interrupted from behind the maid.
“Young lady, I heard youâre doing something interesting, so I came all the way from the territory.”
“Master!”
Katarina shouted and stood up, running to embrace him.
Ah, so this bear-like man is the one who taught Katarina her self-defense.